Self-sealing pad for a needle-based infusion set

ABSTRACT

A needle assembly to prevent fluid/vapor escape so as to reduce or prevent fluid exposure to a clinician during use of the needle assembly. The needle assembly may include a handle portion with a needle extending therefrom, and a base portion releasably coupled to the handle portion. The base portion may include a safety assembly to shield a distal tip of the needle and prevent user contact therewith. The base portion may further include a self-sealing pad covering a bottom external surface thereof. The self-sealing pad may include an upper surface designed to mate with the base portion and a raised portion compressively positioned in the opening of the bottom external surface. The needle assembly may further include a fluid isolation component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/070,246, filed Nov. 1, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/721,412, filed Nov. 1, 2012, andwhich is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/229,573, filed Sep. 9, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,248,234, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/381,762, filed Sep. 10, 2010. Each of the foregoing applications isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly summarized, embodiments of the present invention are directed toa safety needle assembly of an infusion set for infusing fluids into asubcutaneously implanted access port. The needle assembly is configuredto prevent fluid escape therefrom so as to reduce or prevent fluidexposure to a clinician using the needle assembly.

In one embodiment, the needle assembly comprises a handle portionincluding a needle extending therefrom, the needle defining a lumen forpassage of a fluid therethrough. The needle assembly also includes asafety assembly defining a needle hole through which the needleinitially extends. The safety assembly is axially slidable along theneedle in order to shield a distal tip of the needle and prevent usercontact therewith. A fluid isolation component is included in the safetyassembly for isolating fluid escape from the needle to prevent exposureto a clinician.

In one embodiment, a self-sealing pad is included on the safety assemblybase through which the needle initially penetrates. When it is latershielded by the safety assembly after use, the needle is also retractedback through the self sealing pad. The pad prevents any fluids that mayhave leaked from the distal opening of the needle from passing throughthe pad and escaping the needle assembly, thus preventing unintendedexposure to the clinician.

These and other features of embodiments of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments of theinvention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the present disclosure will be renderedby reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in theappended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict onlytypical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope. Example embodiments of the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infusion set including a safetyneedle assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A-3C show actuation of needle assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an infusion set including a safetyneedle assembly in a first configuration according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the infusion set of FIG. 4 with thesafety needle assembly in a second configuration;

FIGS. 6A-6C show actuation of the safety needle assembly of FIGS. 4 and5

FIGS. 7A-7C shows actuation of a safety needle assembly according toanother embodiment;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a bottom view of a safety needle assembly includinga fluid isolation component according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross sectional side views of a safety needleassembly including a fluid isolation component according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional side view of a safety needle assemblyincluding a fluid isolation component according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a safety needle assembly according toone embodiment;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are bottom views of the safety needle assembly of FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a shutter of the safety needle assembly of FIG.10, including a fluid isolation component according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the shutter of FIG. 13 including thefluid isolation component;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional side view of a safety needle assemblyaccording to one embodiment;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are various views of a safety needle assemblyaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional side view of a luer connector including afluid isolation component according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 18A-18B are cross sectional side views of the luer connector ofFIG. 17 during use;

FIGS. 19A and 19B show various views of a fluid isolation componenttogether with an infusion set, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a safety needle assembly including a fluidisolation component according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are various views of a needle assembly including aself-sealing pad according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are various views of the self-sealing pad of FIGS. 21Aand 21B;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are various views of the needle assembly of FIGS. 21Aand 21B; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a self-sealing pad according to oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to figures wherein like structures will beprovided with like reference designations. It is understood that thedrawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, and are neither limiting nornecessarily drawn to scale.

For clarity it is to be understood that the word “proximal” refers to adirection relatively closer to a clinician using the device to bedescribed herein, while the word “distal” refers to a directionrelatively further from the clinician. For example, the end of a needleplaced within the body of a patient is considered a distal end of theneedle, while the needle end remaining outside the body is a proximalend of the needle. Also, the words “including,” “has,” and “having,” asused herein, including the claims, shall have the same meaning as theword “comprising.”

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a safetyinfusion set and accompanying needle assembly for infusing fluids, suchas chemotherapy agents or other medicaments for example, into an accessport or other medical device subcutaneously implanted into the body of apatient. The infusion set and/or needle assembly includes one or morecomponents for isolation of the fluid, including vapors thereof, whichmay otherwise leak from a needle or other portion of the infusion set.This in turn reduces or prevents possible clinician exposure to thefluid/vapors, which in some cases may be hazardous. Potential harm tothe clinician is therefore reduced.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which depicts an infusion setgenerally designated at 10, including a safety needle assembly (“needleassembly”) 20 and one or more extension legs 24. The infusion set 10 isemployed to gain access to a subcutaneously implanted access port orother device disposed below the skin of a patient in order to infusemedicaments or other fluids into the patient, and to withdraw fluidstherefrom. A luer connector 26 is included on a proximal end of theextension leg 24 so as to enable the infusion set 10 to be placed intofluid communication with a fluid delivery device or system. A cap 28 canbe disposed in the luer connector 26 to cover the opening thereof.

FIG. 1 shows that the needle assembly 20 includes a needle 30 extendingfrom a handle 44 and in fluid communication with the tubing of theextension leg 24. A needle safety component 40 is also included in theneedle assembly 20, including dual extensible wings that are hinged soas to be selectively extended to substantially cover the length of theneedle 30 and isolate a distal end 30A thereof after use of the needleassembly 20 in order to prevent an unintended needle stick of theclinician by the needle tip. Examples of such a hinged safety assemblycan be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,522, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the needle assembly 20 further includes a fluidisolation component 50 for isolating any fluid or vapor that mayunintentionally escape from the needle 30 during use of the needleassembly. Specifically, the fluid isolation component 50 in the presentembodiment includes absorbent pads 52 disposed on an inner surface 42Aof each wing 42 of the needle safety component 40. The pads 52 aredisposed such that when the wings 42 of the needle safety component 40are deployed to cover the distal tip 30A of the needle 30 (FIG. 2), thepads sandwich the body and distal tip of the needle therebetween. Anyfluid present on an external surface of the needle or any fluid/vaporleaking from the distal end thereof is captured and absorbed by the pads52, thus preventing escape of the fluid, which as mentioned above maycontain hazardous substances. This in turn protects the clinician fromfluid exposure.

FIGS. 3A-3C show the manner in which the wings 42 of the needle safetycomponent 40 extend to cover the needle 30 and its distal tip 30A, andadditionally the manner in which the pads 52 sandwich and partiallyencapsulate the needle 30, including its external surfaces and itsdistal tip 30A, to prevent fluid/vapor escape. In one embodiment, thepads 52 can include an absorbent foam and/or rubber material, thoughmany other suitable materials can be employed, including activatedcharcoal, etc.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the infusion set 10 including a needle assembly 120according to another embodiment, wherein the needle assembly includes ahandle portion 122 with handles 124 extending therefrom. A needle 130extends from the handle portion 122 and initially through a safetyassembly 134 that is slidably disposed with respect to the needle 130 soas to be axially slidable therewith. The safety assembly 134 includes abase 136 that houses a needle safety component 140 (FIGS. 8A, 8B) forshielding a distal tip 130A of the needle 130 when use of the needleassembly is complete.

The needle assembly 120 further includes a fluid isolation component 150for isolating any fluid or vapor that may unintentionally escape fromthe needle 130 during use of the needle assembly. Specifically, thefluid isolation component 150 in the present embodiment includes aconically shaped, extensible shroud 152 disposed about the body of theneedle 130 and extending between the handle portion 122 and the axiallyslidable safety assembly 134. Including plastic such as PET or othersubstantially impermeable, collapsible, and suitable durable material,the shroud 152 forms a hollow cone about the needle 130 and iscorrugated with corrugations 154 in a bellows-like manner to enable itto fold up compactly when the safety assembly 134 is undeployed (FIG. 4)and to extend to cover and substantially encompass the needle 30 whenthe safety assembly 134 is deployed (FIG. 5), i.e., the safety assemblyis axially slid down the needle 130 toward the distal tip 130A such thatthe needle safety component 140 shields the distal tip. FIGS. 6A-6Cdepict the manner of deployment of the safety assembly 134 and theextension of the corrugated shroud 152. In the extended state shown inFIGS. 5 and 6C, the shroud 152 assists in isolating fluids/vaporspresent on the needle 130 or emitted from the needle distal tip 130Afrom contact with the clinician.

Note that examples of safety needles that can utilize principlesdiscussed here and in other embodiments herein can be found in thefollowing United States patents: U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,888; U.S. Pat. No.8,066,678; U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,253; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,231,582. Each ofthe afore-mentioned patents/patent applications is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

The shroud 152 as the fluid isolation component 150 can include otherconfigurations. One such configuration is shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, whereinthe shroud includes a plurality of interlocked, telescoping segmentsthat are extendible to cover and encompass the needle body when thesafety assembly 134 is deployed (FIG. 7C). When the safety assembly 134is undeployed, the telescoping segments 156 are stacked together, asshown in FIG. 7A. Again, these and other configurations for encompassingthe needle body illustrate manners by which a fluid isolation componentcan isolate the needle body and tip in order to prevent fluid exposureto clinician. As best seen in FIG. 7C, the axially slidable safetyassembly 134 includes at least one proximally-extending protrusion 135.The proximally-extending protrusion 135 may also include a lip 137 at aproximal end of the proximally-extending protrusion 135. As best seen inFIG. 7A, the proximally-extending protrusion 135 and associated lip 137may be configured to co-operate with groove 139 in handle portion 122 tomaintain the assembly in a retracted position.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict details of the needle safety component 140 of theneedle assembly 120 of FIGS. 4-7C. Particularly, FIGS. 8A and 8B depictbottom views of the needle assembly 120. The needle safety component 140is shown, including a coiled wire torsion spring 160 included within thebase 136 of the safety assembly 134. The spring includes at one endthereof an obstruction component, i.e., a looped portion 162 that isbiased to lie against the needle 130 when the needle extends through ahole 136A defined in the base 136 of the safety assembly 134, as shownin FIG. 8A. As shown in FIG. 8B, once the distal tip of the needle 130is withdrawn into the base 136 in connection with extension of thesafety assembly 134 (e.g., FIGS. 5, 6C, 7C), the spring 160 expands suchthat the looped portion 162 slides over the needle hole 136A to preventre-emergence of the needle distal tip.

In addition, a fluid isolation component 170 is included with the spring160 for isolating any fluid or vapor that may unintentionally escapefrom the needle 130 during use of the needle assembly. Specifically, thefluid isolation component 170 includes a shield 172, shown in FIGS. 8Aand 8B, which is attached proximate the looped portion 162 of the spring160. Thus, when the looped portion 162 slides over to preventre-emergence of the distal tip 130A of the needle 130 through the hole136A (FIG. 8B), the shield fully covers and occludes the hole so as toprevent any fluid/vapor leaking from the distal tip of the needle fromexiting through the hole and potentially contaminating the environmentor clinician. The shield 172 thus serves to occlude the hole 136A andisolate any fluids/vapors from the clinician. Note that the particularsize, shape, and configuration of the shield can vary from what is shownand described herein, as can the particular configuration of the needleassembly. In one embodiment, it is appreciated that the shield caninclude an absorbent material so as to absorb any leaked fluid.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict details of the needle assembly 120 according toanother embodiment, including a fluid isolation component 180 forisolating any fluid or vapor that may unintentionally escape from theneedle 130 during use of the needle assembly. As shown, the fluidisolation component 180 in the present embodiment includes a cylindricalabsorption plug 182 included with the axially slidable safety assembly134 of the needle assembly 120 and including a central cavity so as tobe positioned about a portion of the body of the needle 130 (FIG. 9A).The central cavity of the plug 182 is sized such that the plug is ableto wipe the outer surface of the body of the needle 130 as the safetyassembly 134 is axially slid down the needle toward the distal tip 130Athereof, thus removing fluid from the outer needle surface and capturingit in the plug itself. In addition, once the safety assembly 134 hasfully shielded the needle distal tip 130A (FIG. 9B), the plug 182 ispositioned about the distal opening of the lumen of the needle 130 so asto catch and absorb any fluids/vapors emanating therefrom.

It is appreciated that the absorption plug can include a variety ofsize, type, and material configurations, and can be employed on avariety of needle-based devices where residual fluid/vapor capture isdesired. In one embodiment, for instance, the absorption member includesactivated charcoal. In other embodiments, other materials and membranescan be employed, including silica gel, clays, activated alumina,zeolites, 0.2 micron or other filtration material, etc. The descriptionincluded herein is therefore not intended to limit the presentdisclosure in any way.

FIG. 10 shows details of a fluid isolation component 200 according toanother embodiment, including an absorption disk 202 included with thesafety assembly 134. The absorption disk 202 is disposed above theneedle safety component 140 in the safety assembly base 136 and is slitto enable the needle 130 to pass therethrough. Extension of the safetyassembly 134 down the length of the needle 130 enables the absorptiondisk 202 to wipe the outer needle surface so as to remove any fluidpresent thereon. In addition, once the safety assembly 134 is fullyextended to shield the needle 130 (FIG. 10), the absorption disk 202 ispositioned so as to absorb any fluid/vapor leaking from the distal lumenopening at the needle distal tip 130A. As with the previous embodiment,the absorption disk 202 in one embodiment includes activated charcoal orother suitable, absorbent material as outlined above in connection withthe absorption plug 182 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The position, shape,thickness or other configuration of the absorption disk can vary fromwhat is shown and described herein.

FIGS. 11-12B depict various details of a needle assembly 220 that caninclude a fluid isolation component, according to one embodiment. Asshown, the needle assembly 220 includes a handle portion 222 from whichextends a needle 230. The needle 230 initially extends through a safetyassembly 234 that is slidably disposed with respect to the needle so asto be axially slidable therewith. The safety assembly 234 includes abase 236 that houses a needle safety component 240 (FIGS. 12A, 12B) forshielding a distal tip 230A of the needle 230 when use of the needleassembly is complete.

In greater detail, FIGS. 12A and 12B show that the needle safetycomponent 234 includes two spring-based shutters 242 that each define ahole 244 through which the needle 230 passes when the needle extendsthrough the safety assembly 234 and out a hole 236A defined in the base236, such as in the configuration shown in FIG. 11. The shutters 242each further include a spring arm 246. As seen in FIG. 12A, when thesafety assembly 234 is undeployed (FIG. 11), the holes 244 of theshutters 242 are aligned so that the needle 230 passes therethrough.This constrains the shutters 242 and spring arms 246 into theconfiguration shown in FIG. 12A.

When the safety assembly 234 is actuated, however, it is slid down thelength of the needle 230 so as to cause the needle distal tip 230A torecede from the hole 236A and the shutter holes 244 so as to be shieldedwithin the safety assembly base 236. As shown in FIG. 12B, this causesthe shutters 242 to no longer be constrained by the needle 230 andenables the shutter spring arms 246 to slide the shutters laterallywithin the base 236 so as to cover and occlude the hole 236A defined inthe base, thus preventing reemergence of the needle distal tip 230A.Note that further information regarding this and other related needlesafety assemblies can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,704 to Luther etal., entitled “Method of Retaining a Tip Protector on a Needle with aCurved Tip.”

In accordance with one embodiment the needle assembly 220 includes afluid isolation component 250 for isolating any fluid or vapor that mayunintentionally escape from the needle 130 during use of the needleassembly. Specifically, the fluid isolation component 250 in the presentembodiment includes an absorption pad 252 disposed on a backside of oneor both of the shutters 242 of the safety assembly 234. As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the pad 252 is disposed on the shutter 242 so that thedistal tip 230A of the needle 230 rests against it after the distal tiphas been withdrawn and shielded by the base 236 of the safety assembly234. Should any fluid leak from the distal opening of the lumen of theneedle 230, it can be readily captured by the pad 252, thus preventingits escape outside of the safety assembly 234. The pad can include oneor more of suitable materials including those listed above in connectionwith the embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B, silicone, rubber, etc. As shown,the pad can also be recessed within the shutter 242 so as to provide abasin for capture of the fluid, in one embodiment. Note that the pad andshutters can vary in size, number, shape, design, etc.

FIG. 15 shows the needle assembly 220 including a fluid isolationcomponent 260 according to one embodiment, wherein the fluid isolationcomponent includes an O-ring 262 that is disposed within the safetyassembly 234 about a portion of the needle 230. So positioned, theO-ring 262 wipes the length of the needle 230 when the safety assembly234 is axially slid down the needle in order to shield the needle distaltip 230A. The O-ring 262 is sized such that its wiping action cleans theouter needle surface of any fluids that might otherwise be exposed tothe clinician and prevents their escape from the safety assembly base236. In one embodiment, the O-ring can be configured to be absorbent soas to soak up any fluid it comes into contact with during wiping of theneedle. Note that the O-ring can be placed in other locations withrespect to the needle safety assembly and that the needle housing andsafety assembly can vary in configuration from what is shown.

FIGS. 16A and 16B depict various details of a needle assembly 320including a fluid isolation component, according to one embodiment. Theneedle assembly 320 includes a handle portion 322 from which extends aneedle 330. The needle 330 initially extends through a hole 344 definedin a safety assembly 334 that is pivotally movable with respect to thehandle portion 322 and the needle 330 via a hinge point 338. The safetyassembly 334 houses a needle safety component 340 including a laterallyslidable shutter 342, disposed in a shutter cavity 346, for shielding adistal tip 330A of the needle 230 when use of the needle assembly iscomplete. A foam pad 354 is disposed on the bottom of the safetyassembly 334.

As shown in FIG. 16B, the needle 330 is biased while residing in thehole 344 of the safety assembly 334 such that when the distal tip 330Ais withdrawn from the hole, the needle 330 urges the shutter 342 tolaterally slide within the shutter cavity 346, thus covering the holeand preventing re-emergence of the needle distal tip. In anotherembodiment, the shutter itself can be biased to urge the needle distaltip laterally.

The needle assembly 320 further includes a fluid isolation component,here configured as an extensible shroud 352 that extends about theneedle 330 between the handle portion 322 and the safety assembly 334 toisolate the body of the needle and any vapors present therewith. Thus,the shroud 352 provides isolation of fluids present on the needle 330.In addition, the shutter 342 provides some fluid isolation as well.

FIGS. 17-18B disclose a luer connector 426 including a fluid isolationcomponent, according to one embodiment. As shown, the connector 426 is afemale-type luer connector, though the principles described here can beextended to other connective or fluid-carrying components of an infusionset or other suitable fluid delivery medical device. Connected to theextension leg tubing 24, the connector 426 includes a body that definesa cavity 428 suitable for receiving a male-type connector 456 (FIGS.18A, 18B) therein. The connector 426 can include threads to enable themale connector 456 to threadably connect therewith. The cavity 428defines a portion of a fluid pathway through the connector body.

A fluid isolation component 450 is included in the connector 426. Inparticular, the fluid isolation component 450 in the present embodimentincludes a slit valve 452 that is disposed in the fluid pathway definedby the connector 426. Other suitable types of valves may also beemployed.

As seen in FIGS. 18A and 18B, when the male connector 456 is receivedbut not fully seated within the cavity 428 of the female connector 426,the valve 452 remains closed, thus isolating any fluid contained in theextension leg tubing 24 attached thereto. When the male connector 456 isfully inserted into the female connector 426, the distal end of the maleconnector engages and opens the valve 452, thus allowing fluid flowtherethrough. This configuration of the connector 426 thus serves as oneexample a connector-based fluid isolation component; otherconfigurations of this principle are contemplated.

FIGS. 19A and 19B depict another example of a fluid isolation componentfor preventing unintended contact with fluid or vapors resulting fromuse of an infusion set. In particular, an infusion set 10 is shown,including a needle assembly 220, extension leg tubing 24, and luerconnector 26. Also shown is a fluid isolation component 470, which inthe present embodiment includes a bag 472 of plastic or othersubstantially fluid-impermeable material. The bag includes a sealableopen end 474 and a closed end 476. The bag 472 is attached to the tubing24 of the infusion set 10 or other suitable component thereof via andadhesive strip 478 or other suitable connective apparatus.

The bag 472 is initially inside-out before use of the infusion set 10.Once use of the infusion set 10 has ended, the user reaches a handthrough the open end 474 of the bag 472 and pulls the infusion set intothe bag, turning the bag right side-out in the process. Once theinfusion set 10 is fully within the bag 472, the open end 474 of the bag472 is sealed, as seen in FIG. 19B, thus isolating the user from anyfluids or vapors included on the needle assembly 220 or any otherportion of the infusion set 10. Note that the bag can be configured inone or more sizes and shapes, can include one-time, resealable, or othersuitable type of sealing mechanism, and can be included with theinfusion set in a variety of ways, both attached and detached thereto.The bag in the present embodiment is transparent, though in otherembodiments it need not be.

FIG. 20 depicts details of another possible fluid isolation componentfor use with the needle assembly 220 (shown in FIGS. 11-12B), or anothersuitable needle assembly. In particular, a fluid isolation component 480is disclosed, including an amount of suitable viscous oil 482, such assilicone oil, interposed as a film between the shutters 242. When theneedle 230 is retracted from the hole 236A in the needle assembly base236, which retraction causes the shutters 242 to slide over and coverthe hole, the oil 482 produces a fluid impermeable barrier layer betweenthe shutters, thus preventing any fluid/vapor escaping the needle fromescaping past the shutters. In other embodiments, other barriers can beemployed between the shutters, including a gasket, O-ring, othercompliant/elastomeric member, etc.

FIGS. 21A-24 depict various details regarding a fluid isolationcomponent according to yet another embodiment, for use with a safetyneedle assembly. As will be described, the fluid isolation component inthe present embodiment includes a self-sealing pad that preventsunintended leakage of fluids (e.g., liquids, gases) from the needleafter use of the needle assembly. The self-sealing pad thus preventsundesired exposure to clinicians of potentially hazardous substances.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show the needle assembly 120 in similar configurationto that described further above in connection with FIGS. 5-6C. Asbefore, the needle assembly 120 includes a first needle assemblyportion, i.e., the handle portion 122, with handles 124 extendingtherefrom. The hollow needle 130 extends from the handle portion 122 andinitially through the safety assembly 134 that is slidably disposed withrespect to the needle 130 so as to be axially slidable therewith. Thesafety assembly 134 includes the base, also referred to herein as asecond needle assembly portion or the base portion 136, which houses theneedle safety component 140 (FIGS. 8A, 8B) for shielding the distal tip130A of the needle 130 when use of the needle assembly is complete.

As already described further above, the needle assembly 120 furtherincludes a first fluid isolation component 150 for isolating any fluidor vapor that may unintentionally escape from the needle 130 during useof the needle assembly. Specifically, the first fluid isolationcomponent 150 includes the conically shaped, extensible shroud 152disposed about the body of the needle 130 and extending between thehandle portion 122 and the axially slidable safety assembly 134 of thebase portion 136. The shroud 152 forms a hollow cone about the needle130 and is corrugated with corrugations 154 in a bellows-like manner toenable it to fold up compactly when the safety assembly 134 isundeployed (FIG. 4) and to extend to cover and substantially encompassthe needle 30 when the safety assembly 134 is deployed (FIG. 5). Asalready discussed. in the extended state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6C, theshroud 152 assists in isolating fluids/vapors present on the needle 130or emitted from the needle distal tip 130A from contact with theclinician.

FIGS. 21A-21B further show a self-sealing pad 500 disposed on a bottomexternal surface of the base portion 136. The pad 500 includes aself-sealing material that enables the needle 130 to extendtherethrough, as seen in FIG. 21A (also referred to as the first needleposition), but seals when the needle is retracted back through the padvia separation of the base portion 136 from the handle portion 122, asseen in FIG. 21B (also referred to as the second needle position). Inparticular, and as shown in FIG. 21B, the full extension of the baseportion 136 from the handle portion 122 causes the distal tip 130A ofthe needle 130 to be drawn through the pad 500 such that the distal tipis shielded within the base portion, in particular, shielded by theneedle safety component 140. Because of its self-sealingcharacteristics, the pad 500 substantially seals the hole through whichthe needle 130 was disposed during needle assembly use, thus preventingany fluid leakage from the distal opening of the needle 130 to escapethe base portion 136, as desired. Note that, though shown and describedherein in connection with the needle assembly 120, the self-sealing pad500 can be included with needle assemblies and infusion sets of avariety of configurations in addition to those discussed herein.

FIGS. 22A and 22B depict various features of the self-sealing pad 500according to the present embodiment. As shown, the pad 500 includes abody 502 shaped to conform to the shape of the base 136, though in otherembodiments the pad could include other shaped configurations. The body502 defines an upper surface 502A that is configured to mate with thebase portion 136 and a bottom surface 502B that serves as askin-contacting surface for the needle assembly 120.

A groove 504 is defined about the perimeter and configured in thepresent embodiment to receive therein a corresponding protruded surface506 defined on a bottom surface of the base portion 136. The receipt ofthe protruded surface 506 by the groove 504 assists in maintainingengagement of the pad 500 with the base portion 136, in one embodiment.The pad 500 can be affixed to the base portion 136 via a suitableadhesive or by other suitable methods, including mechanical fixation.

In one embodiment, the pad 500 includes silicone, though otherself-sealing materials, plastics, and elastomers can be employed. In oneembodiment, a liquid silicone rubber (“LSR”) that is injection moldedthen cured is employed to form the pad 500. So configured, theskin-contacting bottom surface 502B of the pad 500 provides a compliantsurface to rest against the skin of the patient during use of the needleassembly 120.

The pad body 502 further defines a centrally disposed raised portion508, best seen in FIGS. 22A and 22B, which is shaped so as tocompressively fit within an opening 136A that is defined in the baseportion 136. As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the raised portion 508 ofthe pad 500 is disposed within the opening 136A and is partiallymaintained in place via a compressive fit with the opening. Soconfigured, the raised portion 508 acts as a septum to provide a robustfluid barrier when the needle 130 is withdrawn therethrough and shieldedby the safety assembly 134, which occurs when the base portion 136 isselectively extended from the handle portion 122, as shown in FIG. 23B.Indeed, compression of the raised portion 508 by the opening 136Aassists in the self-sealing characteristics of the pad 500 when theneedle 130 is retracted, in one embodiment. Thus, the self-sealing pad500 serves as a second fluid isolation component, together with theshroud 152, for preventing fluid/vapor escape from the needle assembly.The shape and size of both the raised portion and the opening can varyfrom what is shown and described herein. In the present embodiment, thedistal tip 130A of the needle 130 fully withdraws from the raisedportion 508, though in other embodiments the distal tip can remain inthe raised portion 508 after shielding thereof by the safety assembly.An example of the latter configuration would include the distal tip ofthe needle retracting fully from the lower surface 502B of the pad bodywhile still residing within raised portion 508 of the pad.

The self-sealing pad can be configured in other ways. For instance, FIG.24 shows the bottom surface 502B as including a plurality of texturefeatures 510 for increasing patient comfort while the needle assembly120 is disposed on the skin of the patient. Also, in one embodiment, itis appreciated that the self-sealing pad can be treated so as to offerantimicrobial/antibacterial properties. Further, in one embodiment, thebottom surface of the self-sealing pad can include an adhesive materialto enable the pad to act as a securement device in maintaining theinfusion set in place at a desired position on the patient's skin duringuse of the needle assembly. It is further appreciated that the needleassembly and accompanying infusion set can include one of many possibleshapes, sizes, and configurations in addition to those shown anddiscussed herein.

Embodiments of the invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the embodiments is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A needle assembly, comprising: a handle portion,comprising: a needle having a proximal end secured in the handle portionand a distal end extending from the handle portion; and an extensiontube secured in the handle portion to establish fluid communication witha lumen of the needle; a base portion releasably coupled to the handleportion in a needle assembly use configuration, the base portioncomprising: a bottom external surface having an opening; a safetyassembly including a needle safety component; and a self-sealing padcovering the bottom external surface, the self-sealing pad comprising:an antimicrobial component; an upper surface designed to mate with thebase portion; a raised portion compressively positioned in the openingof the bottom external surface; and a skin-contacting surface, whereinthe needle assembly is configured to be placed on skin such that theneedle passes through the self-sealing pad and the skin.
 2. The needleassembly according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid isolationcomponent positioned between the self-sealing pad and the handleportion.
 3. The needle assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fluidisolation component is an extensible shroud having a proximal endconnected to the handle portion and distal portion connected to the baseportion, wherein the extensible shroud surrounds an entire length of theneedle extending from the handle portion in a needle assembly safetyconfiguration.
 4. The needle assembly according to claim 3, wherein theextensible shroud is corrugated, including a plurality of corrugationsdesigned to compactly fold in the needle assembly use configuration. 5.The needle assembly according to claim 4, wherein the extensible shroudis formed from an impermeable material.
 6. The needle assembly accordingto claim 3, wherein the extensible shroud includes a plurality ofinterlocked, telescoping segments.
 7. The needle assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the base portion is releasable from the handle portionto permit translation from the needle assembly use position to a needleassembly safety position, and wherein a distal tip of the needlecontacts the needle safety component in the needle assembly safetyposition.
 8. The needle assembly according to claim 7, wherein theneedle safety component comprises a spring-based obstruction biased toobstruct the opening of the bottom external surface of the base portionin the needle assembly safety position.
 9. The needle assembly accordingto claim 8, wherein the spring-based obstruction includes at least oneshutter having a distal end designed to obstruct the opening of thebottom external surface, a proximal end coupled to the base portion, anda spring arm connecting the proximal end to the distal end.
 10. Theneedle assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a fluidisolation component comprising an absorbent pad disposed on the at leastone shutter, the distal tip of the needle resting against the absorbentpad in the needle assembly safety position.
 11. The needle assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the skin-contacting surface of theself-sealing pad includes a plurality of texture features designed toincrease patient comfort.
 12. The needle assembly according to claim 1,wherein the skin-contacting surface includes an adhesive designed toprevent movement of the needle assembly during use.
 13. The needleassembly according to claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial component isdisposed on the skin-contacting surface of the self-sealing pad.
 14. Theneedle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the self-sealing pad isformed from liquid silicone rubber.
 15. The needle assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the base portion is releasable from the handle portionto permit translation from the needle assembly use position to a needleassembly safety position, and wherein a distal tip of the needle iswithin the raised portion of the self-sealing pad in the needle assemblysafety position.